At the start of Chapter Twenty-Three, Aris takes notice of the Skyquills and asks Raker if he ever feels utterly insignificant in a good way. Have you?
What do you think Raker breaking his soap means for their relationship?
While relaxing in the stream, Aris feels as though the world has taken bites of her. Do you also feel this way?
Do you think the animals in the book are attracted to Aris?
The immortal that saves Aris from the steelclaw mentions that Aris can’t activate the magic that is in the sword because she is mortal. How do you think Raker is accessing his sword’s magic?
What do you think of the immortal hunter’s behaviour towards Aris? And Raker’s response to Aris during her conversations with the immortal hunter?
The immortal hunter warns Aris that to call upon Vander Evren would be to call upon death. What do you think of this? What sort of history do you think Vander and Stellan had?
Why do you think Raker said all of those things to Aris at the end of Chapter Twenty-Four?
Would you have saved Valen?
Did you expect Aris to turn back and walk towards Raker after finding out about the cavalry?
With the gods chasing Aris and Raker, do you think Aris will be able to enact her revenge sooner than she thinks?
Do you think the story of how Aris’s parents met could hint that they weren’t always in Stormside?
What do you make of the end of Chapter Twenty-Six?
After the switch from hot to cold, what do you think of Aris saving Raker in Chapter Twenty-Eight and saying “not nothing, after all”?
Where do you think the woman led Aris and subsequently Raker?
12 responses to “Starside Day Five”
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Yes, I have. All the time.
There’s progress. it’s SLOW but it’s THERE. We have to be thankful for the crumbs we receive.
Yes, I have felt this way.
Yes, we noted early on how attracted the animals are to here and how they seem to home in on her. There has to be a greater reason to this.
Are we certain that Aris is actually mortal? That assumption has just been made but so many things point differently. Not entirely sure about Raker just yet but his sword may be different or another assumption has been made.
I think the interaction was needed to progress the character development of both but especially their relationship. It’s going to stir up some feelings.
I’m not sure but i’m very curious about it. I really do with Aris calls upon him just so that we may get insight into his history with Stellan. There’s so many questions he can answer. Learning with Vander is and the hunters warning just makes me all the more curious.
Reverse psychology? But not only for Aris, but for himself. I fear Raker feels himself feeling something for her and hates it but he also knows that she needs some pushing and has learnt this is the way to make her prove him wrong.
I would like to think that I would have tried to help her, yes.
Yes. I’m not surprised that she went back to find him. A bond has formed even if it doesn’t want to be acknowledged by either of them.
I don’t think that Aris’ plans are going to unfold the way that she initially thought. The gods being after her changes the playing field. Is it even the Questral for her anymore or is it just survival at this point? I do hope she gets her revenge but I fear something is going to be revealed that is going to throw a plot twist into everything.
I do think that Aris’ parents had a greater link to Stormside. There are little details she’s thought of or mentioned that makes you wonder where they were really from.
I suspected that it could be greater magic at play. SCREAMING inside but it just felt like nope, too good to be true. Something or someone has affected them both.
I love how bratty Aris can be. The banter between the two of them is everything and no, it wasn’t nothing after all.
I suspect that she led them on the proper course or towards safety.
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At the start of Chapter Twenty-Three, Aris takes notice of the Skyquills and asks Raker if he ever feels utterly insignificant in a good way. Have you?
100% yes.What do you think Raker breaking his soap means for their relationship?
I think hes warming up to her and realising that shes not as weak as he mightve thought.While relaxing in the stream, Aris feels as though the world has taken bites of her. Do you also feel this way?
Yes,but not just the world, people ive allowed into my life.Do you think the animals in the book are attracted to Aris?
Some of them yes – the good ones at least.The immortal that saves Aris from the steelclaw mentions that Aris can’t activate the magic that is in the sword because she is mortal. How do you think Raker is accessing his sword’s magic?
I havent actually thought about it… I think maybe the immortal was lying… there must be another way to activate the magic.What do you think of the immortal hunter’s behaviour towards Aris? And Raker’s response to Aris during her conversations with the immortal hunter?
I think he was fond of her, he was trying to help them. Rakende definitely seems protective and jealous.The immortal hunter warns Aris that to call upon Vander Evren would be to call upon death. What do you think of this? What sort of history do you think Vander and Stellan had?
They mightve been allies.. friends.. or family?Why do you think Raker said all of those things to Aris at the end of Chapter Twenty-Four?
I think it honestly came out of nowhere, one minute i think their making progress and the next hes telling her to leave. Made me really mad tbh.Would you have saved Valen?
Probably yes.Did you expect Aris to turn back and walk towards Raker after finding out about the cavalry?
Yes i did.With the gods chasing Aris and Raker, do you think Aris will be able to enact her revenge sooner than she thinks?
I hope not, i dont think shes ready yet.Do you think the story of how Aris’s parents met could hint that they weren’t always in Stormside?
Yes definetly.What do you make of the end of Chapter Twenty-Six?
Their relationship is escalating and Rakers “i hate you” mask is slipping.After the switch from hot to cold, what do you think of Aris saving Raker in Chapter Twenty-Eight and saying “not nothing, after all”?
Aris will always do the right thing no matter what.Where do you think the woman led Aris and subsequently Raker?
Somewhere safe but also of some importance to their journey.
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Yes, I have.
We are finally seeing some development, with him becoming less antagonistic. I assume Raker is the primary love interest, and the narrative is unfolding as a slow-burn romance.
Given the various pressures and roles we must balance, I can relate to feeling this way at times.
There have been numerous unusual encounters, which I believe are connected to her markings.
Aris and Raker appear to possess similar swords. It is possible that he may also be partly immortal.
It was refreshing to see meaningful dialogue that advanced the plot. It may also introduce elements of jealousy.
I am uncertain, but I am intrigued by who Vander Evren is and what his connection to Stellan might have been.
I sense that Raker’s feelings are developing, and he may be deliberately pushing Aris away. This could stem from a belief that those closest to him are at greater risk of harm.
I likely would have made the same choice.
Yes, she has consistently demonstrated empathy towards others.
The bounty placed on them has clearly disrupted her carefully considered plan.
I believe there is more to uncover regarding her parents’ whereabouts.
That scene delivered what many readers have been anticipating; however, it also suggests the presence of an external force intervening.
I appreciate Aris’s bold and assertive nature.I believe it is ultimately to safety, especially as past encounters have shown that assistance often arrives unexpectedly in moments of danger.
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Yes, that feeling of being small in a vast world can be strangely comforting. It takes pressure off and puts things into perspective
Raker breaking his soap feels symbolic. It suggests tension, frustration, and a shift in how he connects with Aris
That line about the world taking bites feels very real. It reflects exhaustion and being worn down over time
The animals do seem drawn to Aris. It hints at something deeper about her nature or destiny
Raker likely accesses his sword’s magic because he is not entirely ordinary. There is something different about him that has not been fully revealed
The immortal hunter is cold but not without reason. Raker’s reactions show protectiveness but also inner conflict
Calling on Vander Evren sounding like calling death suggests a dangerous past. There is likely betrayal or a power struggle between Vander and Stellan
Raker’s words at the end feel like a defense mechanism. He is pushing Aris away to protect himself or her
Saving Valen depends on perspective, but emotionally it is hard not to try
Aris turning back to Raker feels expected. Their bond is too strong to ignore
The gods chasing them might accelerate everything. Revenge may come sooner but at a cost
Her parents’ story does suggest they were not always in Stormside. There is more history there
The end of Chapter Twenty Six feels like a turning point. Something bigger is unfolding
Aris saving Raker and saying that line shows growth. She is starting to see her own worth
The woman likely led them somewhere significant, possibly toward answers or greater danger
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Q: At the start of Chapter Twenty-Three, Aris takes notice of the Skyquills and asks Raker if he ever feels utterly insignificant in a good way. Have you?
A: Yes, especially with the recent Artemis II mission! Our problems can feel enormous at times and it’s nice to be reminded that a lot of it is not as important and all-consuming as we make it out to be.Q: What do you think Raker breaking his soap means for their relationship?
A: He is definitely opening up. I need to smell this soap.Q: While relaxing in the stream, Aris feels as though the world has taken bites of her. Do you also feel this way?
A: I don’t think you can be human and not feel this way.Q: Do you think the animals in the book are attracted to Aris?
A: 110%. Curious to see why!Q: The immortal that saves Aris from the steelclaw mentions that Aris can’t activate the magic that is in the sword because she is mortal. How do you think Raker is accessing his sword’s magic?
A: Raker is just superior at this point 😭Q: What do you think of the immortal hunter’s behaviour towards Aris? And Raker’s response to Aris during her conversations with the immortal hunter?
A: I thought he was very kind and generous towards them, and I was scared that he’ll lure them into a trap. Raker is definitely feeling jealous.Q: The immortal hunter warns Aris that to call upon Vander Evren would be to call upon death. What do you think of this? What sort of history do you think Vander and Stellan had?
A: Hmm I did wonder if the two of them fell in love back then but who knows! Maybe that’s why Stellan was on his own all this time.Q: Why do you think Raker said all of those things to Aris at the end of Chapter Twenty-Four?
A: He is so horrible to her. She should have left him behind.Q: Would you have saved Valen?
A: Yes. I don’t think it’s in Aris’ nature to kill for no reason.Q: Did you expect Aris to turn back and walk towards Raker after finding out about the cavalry?
A: Yes and no. She’s a good hearted person but he did not deserve that.Q: With the gods chasing Aris and Raker, do you think Aris will be able to enact her revenge sooner than she thinks?
A: I don’t know – and I’m scared for her 😭Q: Do you think the story of how Aris’s parents met could hint that they weren’t always in Stormside?
A: I haven’t thought this far ahead but it sounds possible!Q: What do you make of the end of Chapter Twenty-Six?
A: I didn’t think I just kept reading because WHAAAT!! Screaming.Q: After the switch from hot to cold, what do you think of Aris saving Raker in Chapter Twenty-Eight and saying “not nothing, after all”?
A: This man is getting 10x more from her than he deserves to. Good for her to show him she’s a better person.Q: Where do you think the woman led Aris and subsequently Raker?
A: A safe haven. -
1. Yes, usually in nature. It’s comforting to know the world is bigger than your worries.
2.I think Aris is getting under his skin more than he’d like to admit.
3.That line feels relatable to me. Life can wear you down little by little through disappointment and exhaustion.
4.I think she carries some kind of energy or connection that others don’t.
5.Maybe he’s a half mortal, or maybe there’s another condition besides immortality required to access the sword’s magic.
6. I quite liked the hunter. I think he was introduced so stir up Raker and Aris’ relationship, to make Raker more protective over Aris and to make him jealous.
7.Vander sounds powerful and feared. I think Vander and Stellan were once allies during Stellan’s Questral.
8.Likely to push her away or to protect himself.
9.I’d be very conflicted. On one hand I’d want to because doing nothing can cost you a part of yourself. On the other hand she is competition and has been trying to kill Aris. But I’d like to think in the moment I would’ve saved her.
10. Yes I did expect her to try to save Raker. Her emotions made her return.
11. No, I think she will still have to journey to the land of the God’s fir her revenge.
12. I think there is a bit more to her parent’s story and/or their movement between realms, and some more secrets with regards to Aris’ past.
13. It’s a major turning point in their relationship – one that we’ve been waiting anxiously waiting for!!!
14. I think it shows that Aris is realising that she too is capable and she is realising her own worth.
15. I think somewhere significant like a refuge. It feels like the next stage of the journey rather than somewhere random.
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1. Yes. Sometimes when looking at a beautiful sunset and the vastness of the ocean.
2. It was almost like a peace offering to Aris.
3. I don’t think its the world but rather my experiences that have done it
4. I can only assume so as she seems to come into contact with everything pure and dangerous!
5. I immediately wondered if Raker was immortal or at least part immortal. That, or there is more to accessing sword magic than being immortal.
6. There is a very thin line between love and hate, and I think we’re starting to see Raker and Aris dance on the other side. Raker seemed abit jealous by the situation (and conflicted by his feelings). I enjoyed the light hearted conversation and information shared by the hunter. It was a much needed break from the continuous hell that Aris and Raker faced.
7. This warning made me so curious about Vander Evren and the relationship he had with Stellan. That was a pretty serious warning but if Stellan told her to find him, that does indicate that he trusts Vander to help Aris, alluding to a strong friendship or relationship or maybe repaying an old debt
8. I think he is starting to feel something for her and he’s scared so he is lashing out to push her away
9. Honestly, I’m not sure considering she was trying to kill me not long ago. I think I would have been afraid that she’d try again if given the chance.
10. Yes, as much as she hates to admit it, she does care about him but she’s also too kind and would try to save him regardless of how cruel he was to her
11. Yes, it seems a clash is inevitable
12. From what Aris shared, it seems like they know more about her markings than they told her so I wouldn’t be surprised by them not being from Stormside.
13. It was only a matter of time before they crossed the line between hate and love! Or at least, lust!
14. It was petty and I love the banter they share – Raker deserves her bratty behavior
15. I am really hoping somewhere safe. She seemed like a Goddess so maybe there are good and bad ones and this is an introduction to them!
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I think most people can relate. The world is full of magic and promise so its only natural to sometimes feel so small and insignificant compared to the other created wonders.
That he cares about her in some way & he pays attention to her as well. He was willing to share something of his for her comfort and ease. Raker definitely likes Aris despite wishing he didn’t.
Yes, living can be quite exhausting…
I thought so when reading these few chapters coz they always seem to find her or follow her and bring danger more often than not.
Maybe there’s something special about him that allows him to activate his sword or some different evolved bond he has with his blade.
I like the immortal hunter he seems sweet and nice. He brought a nice break and humour to the story. Hope to see him again. I loved seeing Raker being lowkey jealous too haha.
I have confidence that Aris’ relationship with Stellan will help her with this big bad guy everyone fears. I’m eager to meet him and find out more. I think they were friends or he had a deal with Vander.
Raker does whatever he can to get under her skin and push her away so Aris can hate him. To protect himself from falling for him or her getting closer to him and igniting more of his confusing feelings.
I don’t think I would have but then again it’s hard to say…
I wanted her to so I’m glad she did but I wasn’t fully certain she’d go all the way back after their argument and her past with Raker.
It might bring her the opportunity sooner rather than later.
Perhaps since the world was different back then
Definitely much more is yet to come!
I love how badass and strong she is and yes she is sympathetic and has empathy but it makes her stronger rather than weaker as Raker assumes.
Somewhere safer or to someone that can help.
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– Yes, I think I have. Especially when you’re looking out over something like the ocean and you realise how vast it is, or when you’re at a place like the Drakensberg and you see how big everything is around you. It makes you feel incredibly small, but in a good way.
– I was completely awwwwwwed by that moment. It was just so sweet. It’s one of those subtle things that shows he might actually care.
– Yes. The world has taken some very big bites. And in Aris’s case, she’s been stabbed, chased, shot at, attacked, and just generally put through a lot.
– Yes, I do. There’s definitely something drawing them to her because she’s having an unnatural amount of encounters with them.
– I didn’t actually think about this before, but now it does feel a bit suspicious. I’m wondering the same thing. Maybe there’s a way Aris can bond with her sword as well and eventually access its magic.
– I think most of the men who see Aris are immediately drawn to her because she’s uncharacteristically beautiful, so I read it as a bit of playful flirting. But I did like Raker’s subtle jealousy.
– Something big must have happened between Stellan and Vander when Stellan was in Starside. For him to trust Vander on his deathbed to protect Aris or give her answers, it must have been a significant moment, especially since everyone seems so afraid of him.
– I think it’s a bit of tough love. Sometimes people need to hear harsh truths, and this might have been one of those moments.
– Probably, but it really depends on the situation. I’ve never been in an actual life-or-death scenario like that, so it’s hard to say how I’d actually react when faced with it.
– No, I didn’t. I feel like if the situation was reversed, he probably would have left her to deal with it herself. He’s doing the Questral for his own reasons, and he should be able to handle what comes his way just like she does.
– Maybe. If she gets captured or ends up face-to-face with one of the gods and things go her way, she might have the opportunity sooner than she thinks.
– Yes, I think it might have happened before the worlds were split. I’m not exactly sure when that was, but we know there used to be more magic in the world. The way her mother talks about things like flowers and stories makes it seem like the world used to be much richer and that something has been lost over time when the gates were placed.
– It definitely felt like there’s more going on. By this point, I was fully hooked and just waiting to see where everything is going.
– I liked that moment. It shows her sass and her determination to prove that she’s not insignificant or useless, and that she can hold her own.
– I think she led them somewhere safe. Almost like one of those guiding figures who just nudges you in the right direction when you need it most.
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1. Yes, especially when I am on a hike or marvelling at nature and the planet we live on. It’s amazing.
2. It shows he cares. Perhaps he is opening up a bit. Although a piece of soap is the bare minimum to me!
3. Yes, but resilience is so important because we have to get up and keep moving.
4. Yes, there have been so many instances to prove this is valid.
5. I’m still not sure. There are so many plot twists that change my theories each time I think I have it figured out.
6. I thought there might have been some tension there. The hunter might have been attracted to Aris.
7. I think they were friends and he told Stellan important information. Information that might uncover some truth for Aris.
8. I honestly thought he was putting up walls as a defense mechanism. He was trying to hide his feelings and just being flippant.
9. No…
10. I did expect it. It’s in alignment with her character at this point.
11. I think so. This motivates her agenda and actually might be an excuse of self-defense.
12. Yes, this is convincing me of that.
13. I was not expecting that! It escalated so fast!!!
14. I am hoping she moves on because the back and forth is still annoying to me.
15. I hope the next step/adventure expected in the Questral. I think there was a lot of danger and action so some rest would be great hahaha.
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1. Yes
2. It honestly made me pause a bit. It feels like Raker is slowly cracking in small ways around Aris, even if he doesn’t admit it.3. Yes. That line actually stuck with me. It feels like the world is slowly wearing Aris down instead of breaking her all at once.
4. I do think so.
5. I don’t really know but with Raker it feels like there’s something about him we still don’t know, like he’s not just an ordinary mortal.
6. Kind but I think taker was kinda jealous 😅
7. I’m not sure
8. It honestly made me feel like he was shutting her out emotionally. Almost like he’s trying to protect something, but it comes out harsh.
9. Yeah I would have
10.yes
11. I don’t think so because she doesn’t look ready for revenge yet.12. Yes.
13. I think the relationship between Raker and Aris is growing, and it looks like Raker is softening towards her.14. Maybe she’s starting to see Raker differently, even if she doesn’t say it out loud and yeah, maybe even catching feelings a bit.
15. Somewhere safe, but also probably dangerous too. Like knowing this world, it won’t be simple.
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1) Yes – while travelling / in a plane. You are so so small and insignificant in such a great, big, beautiful world.
2) That they are friends now and he has a slight bit of affection for Aris (and her wellbeing)
3) I think we all do – the world takes little bits and pieces of you throughout your life, but you also take from the world [to build yourself back up again], don’t you think?
4) She may have a strong magical linkage with the animals in Starside because of her mysterious markings.
5) He is probably part immortal, and likely has similar markings to Aris and that’s why he hides his face. Just like how she covers up her neck and arms. He probably had someone show him how to access it.
6) He is super friendly, and whether he is flirtatious or not, he is not terrible nor is he mean. I do think Raker is a bit jealous of the interactions and attention toward Aris.
7) If Vander Evren is a god – then he is likely related to Aris in some way… Vander probably helped Stellan during the Questral he took part in.
8) I think he is getting too attached to her and he doesn’t want any distractions and potentially has a fear of losing her if his feelings grow.
9) I don’t think I would have!
10) Yes – definitely, she has a habit of wanting to save people (friends… and even enemies)
11) No – we’re still a long way from the end of the book, so I don’t think so!
12) There is definitely more to the story with Aris’ parents – I don’t believe they were always on Stormside.
13) It definitely escalated so quickly – I wasn’t expecting that!
14) It’s a true testament to Aris’s character. She will still save him even if he is cold toward her, and shows that he doesn’t care.
15) Somewhere where they can rest, I hope! I feel like they’re always running away from something or into a trap!
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